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The Human Systems Lab · Staffroom quick guide

Noticing a student who may be struggling

Your job is to notice and refer, not to diagnose. A change is the signal. When in doubt, talk to the counsellor.

Signs worth noticing

  • A clear change from how the child usually is
  • Withdrawing from friends and activities
  • Marks or focus dropping noticeably
  • Often angry, tearful or irritable
  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches with no clear cause
  • Trouble with sleep, appetite or energy
  • Speaking harshly about themselves

Remember

  • These are health conditions, not bad character or bad parenting
  • One sign alone is not a diagnosis. Look for a lasting pattern
  • Children often show distress as anger or aches, not sadness
  • Asking gently about feelings does no harm
  • Early support changes the outcome

Act the same day Urgent

  • Any talk of dying, or of hurting themselves
  • Signs or disclosure of abuse or harm
  • A sudden, severe change in behaviour
  • Losing touch with reality, such as hearing voices

In the moment

Do
  • Stay calm and listen more than you speak
  • Take it seriously and thank them for telling you
  • Bring in the counsellor and the family appropriately
  • Stay with the child if there is any safety risk
Avoid
  • Shaming, mocking or comparing with others
  • Promising secrecy when safety is at risk
  • Lecturing, or rushing to fix it
  • Brushing it off as drama or a phase

Three myths to drop

"Children have no real problems, they cannot be depressed."
Young people carry real distress, and it is treatable.
"He is just lazy and naughty, he needs stricter punishment."
Behaviour often signals an underlying difficulty. Punishment alone rarely helps.
"We must keep it hidden. Log kya kahenge."
Silence protects reputation briefly and harms the child far longer.
Free, confidential, round the clock, in many Indian languages. National mental health helpline, Government of India.
Tele MANAS · 14416also 1800-891-4416

For understanding and early support only. Not a diagnostic tool. The Human Systems Lab